Team L&M
Now this one comes as a big, big surprise for it is something that doesn’t happen every day. As kids we have heard and read too that lightning never strikes the same place twice. But the freaky weather condition that enveloped the country a couple of days back witnessed several coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh experiencing lightning a total of 77,774 times. And this has been revealed by the weathermen so this is authentic information. This also includes lightning striking 41,025 times within 16 hours. Now that’s quite a number, isn’t it?
Weathermen also informed that the high number can be attributed to formation of a 12 km long cumulonimbus cloud. For those of who are unaware of what is it, here’s the answer… A cumulonimbus cloud, defines Wikipedia, is a dense, towering vertical cloud, forming from water vapour carried by powerful upward air currents. Cumulonimbus can form alone, in clusters or along cold front squall lines. Now, back to lightning and how can one avoid getting affected by it. Here are a few dos and don’ts…
- Avoid taking a bath, shower or running water for any purpose as lightning can travel along pipes.
- Keep monitoring media for updates and warnings.
- Unplug unnecessary electrical appliances (to isolate them from the main power supply which may conduct a power surge during a lightning storm).
- Keep away from doors, windows, fire places, stoves, bathtubs or any other electrical charge conductors.
- Ensure that children and animals are inside home.
- Stay indoors and avoid travel if possible.
- Remove rotten tea timber or any other debris that may cause a flying hazard.
- Look for darkening skies and increased winds. If you hear thunder then you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Information courtesy: www.ndma.gov.in
